Intel Quietly Releases Low-Cost Dual-Core, Quad-Core Microprocessors.

Intel Corp. this week quietly added two new relatively affordable microprocessors into the lineup. The quad-core processor is likely to eventually substitute previous-generation chips with four cores, whereas the new dual-core product brings the Core 2 Duo brand to the territory of the Pentium dual-core processors, which may mean that in several months time the company will further expand the Core 2 family into the value market segment.

The new microprocessors from Intel are Core 2 Duo E5200 as well as Core 2 Quad Q8200, which are both made using 45nm fabrication process. The new products can hardly open-up performance heights for typical end-users, but are likely to become popular among enthusiasts of overclocking since they work at relatively low clock-speeds – 2.50GHz and 2.33GHz, respectively – and have comparatively high overclocking potential thanks to 45nm process technology.

The new Intel Core 2 Duo E5200, which operates at 2.50GHz, features 2MB of level-two cache and utilize 800MHz processor system bus (PSB), costs $84 in 1000-unit quantities, which is the price of Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2220 that sports 2.40GHz frequency, 1MB L2 and 800MHz PSB. The new central processing unit offers higher performance at the same price-point, which may be an indicator that Intel plans to expand the lineup of Core 2 processors into more price-conscious market segments, which may either catalyze Pentium dual-core to slip into the segment of Celeron chips, or fall into oblivion. Besides, the release of the new chip also affects low-cost Intel Core 2 Duo 4000-series processors, which offer lower performance at higher price.

The Core 2 Quad Q8200 central processing unit works at 2.33MHz, sports 4MB of L2 and utilizes 1333MHz PSB. The novelty is likely to offer performance similar to that of Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz, 8MB L2, 1066MHz PSB), but offer better overclocking potential thanks to newer process technology. It should be kept in mind that the chip still has 95W thermal design power, thus, it will not provide substantial power saving compared to predecessor. The new processor costs $224 in 1000-unit quantities, which is slightly higher than the price of Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, $193 in business quantities.

Intel did not release format statements on the matter of the new product launch.